The 2024-2025 Cinnaminson Pirates varsity baseball team entered the season with high expectations. Despite a rocky start, the team is confident it can hit its stride as the postseason approaches. The Pirates are a comfortable 11-4 after a surplus of wins was picked up over spring break.
First-year head coach Alex Injaian has stepped into the role with energy and focus, helping shape a young but promising team.
“I feel fortunate to step into a situation with such a dedicated group of athletes… It’s been a rewarding journey,” Injaian said.
Senior Anthony Alessandroni commented on how he thinks the season is going.
“The Pirates opened the season hovering around .500, showing signs of growth and resilience,” Alessandroni said.
He also reflected on how this season is different from last year.
“We made less mistakes in the beginning of last season to this season… fewer physical and mental mistakes,” Alessandroni said.
Coach Injaian credits the team’s off-season dedication for helping lay the groundwork.
“Over the winter, our team was in the weight room three times a week, focusing on building strength and conditioning… With a shorter pre-season, it was crucial to maximize our time,” Injaian said
While the team hasn’t had the same early momentum as their past seasons, senior leaders are staying positive.
Assistant coach Brian Jenkins assesses the team’s current status.
“We haven’t gotten off to a great job hitting, but our pitching has done really well,” Jenkins said.
Pitching has indeed been a highlight. Senior Charlie Kind has been a standout on the mound.
“He’s done a great job on the bump, throwing strikes and changing speeds,” Injaian said.
Sophomore Danny Tiounoff has also turned heads, having stepped into a varsity role with confidence.
The Pirates are working under a new coaching style, which some seniors admit has taken time to adjust to.
“It’s hard to transition to a new coach given just a few months to learn him and the way his style is,” Alessandroni said. “But I think the positive is that there may be that sense of a new coach and style, but I am able to adapt to that as well.”
Senior Noah Harvey is a decorated player who plans to play baseball in college.
“Our goal is to win the divisions and make a run in the playoffs,” Harvey said.
He also noted the progression of the teams.
“The team has a lot of returning players and a few younger players, so right now, we are just trying to find ourselves,” Harvey said.
He also talked about the new coaching change.
“He’s very detail-oriented, he is intense, and that may draw some people away,” Harvey said. “Nothing really changes except for personnel, we still share the common goal of winning.”
As a first-year coach, Injaian said he is impressed with his team’s capabilities.
“Noah has been impressive from day one… his work ethic and consistency are unmatched,” Injaian said. “Anthony brings a fiery, competitive spirit […] Logan exhibits toughness and is a great defensive catcher.”
With the postseason approaching, the boys know they need to secure their spot. Injaian wants to make it even farther.
“We set high expectations for ourselves,” Injaian said. “Our goals every year are to win the BCSL, take home the sectional title, pursue a state championship, and make a run at a Diamond Classic championship.”
While the Pirates’ start to the season was pretty rocky, they plan to keep moving forward and make a deep playoff push, especially having won the last five games.
